The Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise (RACE) prototype program was created through the partnership between the GPSC Shared Care Committee and Providence Health Care. 

Through RACE, family doctors gain access to specialists by phoning a single number. Within 2 hours—often sooner—the GP will receive a return call from an on-duty specialist. Queries regarding treatment, investigations, and urgent or elective referrals can be discussed to accelerate care plans and follow-up when indicated. 

In June, the Health Employers Association of British Columbia presented the RACE program with a Top Innovation Gold Apple Award, which recognizes excellence and innovation, leadership, best practices, and measurable results. 

The RACE program has allowed Providence Health’s family practitioners to be connected with specialists in many fields, including cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, and respirology.

Dr Robert Levy, a specialist in respiratory medicine at Vancouver’s Pacific Lung Health Centre and the specialist lead on the RACE program, and Ms Margot Wilson, project leader at Providence Health Care, accepted the award at a ceremony held at Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Hotel.

For more information on the RACE program contact Ms Wilson at 604 682-2344, ext. 66522, e-mail mwilson@providencehealth.bc.ca [8], or visit www.bcma.org/partners-patients [9].